2017 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER tow bar

Cargo tie-down rings ...................... 282
Loading rails .................................. 282
Roof carrier .................................... 282
Tires/wheels........................ .252, 268
Trailer tow hitch .............................2 82
Vehicle data ................................... 281
Telephone .................................. 206, 207
Telephone (on-board computer)
Accepting an incoming call ............ 172
Display messages .......................... 189
Numbers from the phone book ...... 172
Operating ....................................... 172
Redialing ........................................ 173
Rejecting or ending a call .............. 172
Temperature
Outside temperature ......................1 59
Setting (climate control) ................ 101
Setting the unit (vehicles with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 166
Theft deterrent systems
Immobilizer ...................................... 57
Tow-away alarm ............................... 57
Tightening torques for wheel nuts/
wheel bolts ........................................ 267
Time
Setting the time (vehicles with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 168
Setting the time (vehicles without
steering wheel buttons) ................. 161
Timer
Activating ....................................... 113
Auxiliary heating ............................ 112
Important safety notes .................. 112
Overview ........................................ 113
Setting the heating level (auxiliary
heating) ......................................... 114
Setting the preselection time
(auxiliary heating) .......................... 114
Setting weekday, time and oper-
ating duration (auxiliary heating) ... 113
Switching immediate heating
mode on/off (auxiliary heating) ..... 114
Tire pressure
Calling up (on-board computer) ..... 249
C

hecking manually ........................ 249
Display messages (vehicles with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 188 Display messages (vehicles with-
out steering wheel buttons) ........... 174
Maximum ....................................... 249
Notes ............................................. 248
Recommended ............................... 246
Setting the unit (vehicles with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 167
Tire label ........................................ 247
Tire pressure loss warning system .. 251
Tire pressure monitor
Checking the tire pressure elec-
tronically ........................................ 251
Display message ............................ 188
Function/notes .............................2 49
Indicator lamp ................................ 197
Restarting ...................................... 251
Warning lamp ................................. 251
Tire pressure table ............................ 252
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) ................. 261
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) .................... 260
Bar (definition) ............................... 260
Changing a wheel .......................... 262
Characteristics .............................. 259
Checking ........................................ 244
Curb weight (definition) ................. 261
Definition of terms ......................... 259
Direction of rotation ...................... 262
Distribution of the vehicle occu-
pants (definition) ............................ 261
DOT (Department of Transporta-
tion) (definition) ............................. 260
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 259
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 260
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) (defi-
nition) ............................................ 260
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) (def-
inition) ........................................... 260
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rat-
ing) (definition) .............................. 260
Important safety notes .................. 243
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ...... 260
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ........... 260
Labeling (overview) ........................ 257
Index19

Load bearing index (definition) ...... 261
Load index .....................................258
Load index (definition) ................... 260
M+S tires ....................................... 245
Maximum load on a tire (defini-
tion) ............................................... 261
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 260
Maximum permissible tire pres-
sure (definition) .............................2 61
Maximum tire load ......................... 259
Maximum tire load (definition) ....... 261
Optional equipment weight (defi-
nition) ............................................ 261
PSI (pounds per square inch) (def-
inition) ...........................................2 61
Replacing ....................................... 262
Service life ..................................... 244
Sidewall (definition) ....................... 261
Snow chains .................................. 246
Speed rating (definition) ................ 260
Storing ...........................................2 62
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 259
Summer tires ................................. 245
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 261
Tire bead (definition) ......................2 61
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 261
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 260
Tire size (data) ....................... 252, 268
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 257
Tire tread ....................................... 244
Tire tread (definition) ..................... 261
Total load limit (definition) ............. 261
Traction (definition) ....................... 261
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) ................. 261
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 260
Wear indicator (definition) ............. 261
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 260
Top Tether ............................................ 50
To

uchshift (automatic transmis-
sion) .................................................... 122
Tow-away alarm
Arming/deactivating ........................ 57 Deactivating ..................................... 57
Operation ......................................... 57
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 242
Important safety notes .................. 239
Towing
If the vehicle is stuck ..................... 241
Installing/removing the towing
eye ................................................. 240
With a raised front or rear axle ...... 241
Towing a trailer
Axle load, permissible .................... 283
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 233
Coupling up a trailer ......................1 54
Decoupling a trailer ....................... 156
Driving tips ....................................1 52
Important safety notes .................. 152
Notes on retrofitting ......................2 82
Trailer loads ................................... 283
Towing away
Important safety guidelines ........... 239
In the event of malfunctions .......... 240
With both axles on the ground ....... 241
Trailer
Brake force booster malfunction ... 192
Trailer coupling
see Towing a trailer
Trailer loads and drawbar nose-
weights ............................................... 156
Trailer towing
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 143
PARKTRONIC ................................. 150
Permissible trailer loads and
drawbar noseweights ..................... 156
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transmission oil ................................ 279
Transport
Loading guidelines ......................... 208
Vehicle ...........................................2 42
Transport by rail ................................ 132
Transportation
Rail ................................................ 132
Transporting
Load distribution ............................ 210
Securing a load .............................. 210
Trim pieces (cleaning instruc-
tions) ..................................................2 34
20Index

Use the head restraint pad to adjust the head
restraint so that it is as close as possible to the
back of your head.
Before the journey, make sure the head
restraints have been correctly set for each of the
vehicle's passengers (
Ypage 76).
Driver's and front-passenger seat
:Seat fore-and-aft adjustment
;Lumbar support adjustment
=Seat backrest adjustment
?Seat height adjustment
ASeat cushion angle adjustment
BSeat suspension adjustment
CSeat suspension lock
iDepending on the seat model, some adjust-
ments may not be available.
You can find information on rotating the front
seats under "Swiveling front seats"
(
Ypage 73).
XTo adjust the seat fore-and-aft position:
pull lever :up.
XSlide the seat forward or back.
XRelease lever :.
XSlide the seat forward or back until you hear it
engage.
XTo adjust the backrest: turn handwheel=
towards the front.
The seat backrest moves to a vertical posi-
tion.
XTurn handwheel =towards the rear.
The seat backrest tilts towards the rear.
XTo adjust the seat height: press or pull
lever ?repeatedly until you have reached
the desired seat height.
XTo adjust the seat angle: turn handwheelA
towards the front.
The front of the seat cushion tilts down.
XTurn handwheel Atowards the rear.
The front of the seat cushion tilts up.
iThe lumbar support allows you to use the
backrest to increase the support provided to
the lumbar spine.
When the lumbar support is correctly adjus-
ted, it reduces strain on your back while driv-
ing.
XTo adjust the lumbar support: turn hand-
wheel ;up.
This increases the support provided to the
lumbar region.
XTurn handwheel ;down.
This reduces the support provided to the lum-
bar region.
The seat suspension must be adapted to your
body weight. Adjust the seat suspension only
while the seat is unoccupied.
XTo adjust the seat suspension: take your
weight off the seat.
XUsing handwheel B, set your body weight
(40 to 120 kg) for optimum seat suspension.
The seat suspension will become more rigid
the higher you set the weight. It will then not
move as far.
If the seat moves up and down frequently and to a great extent, you can lock the seat in the lower
range.
XTo engage the seat suspension lock: turn
lever Cup.
When it next moves, the seat will lock in posi-
tion.
XTo release the seat suspension lock: turn
lever Cto the right.
The seat can now move up and down agai n.
Swiveling front seats
GWARNING
If the driver's and front-passenger seats are
not engaged facing the direction of travel
Seats73
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors
Z

button to reduce or theKbutton to
increase the airflow.
The blower speeds are shown in bars next to
the buttons.
Defrosting the windows
You can use the "defrosting" function to defrost
the windshield or to demist the inside of the
windshield and the side windows.
Only use the following settings until the win-
dows are clear again.
XVehicle with window heating: switch on the
front (Ypage 103) and/or rear window
defroster (Ypage 103) .
XSwitch on climate control (Ypage 100).
Vehicle with heating
XSet temperature control :and airflow con-
trol ;toz (Ypage 97).
XSet air-distribution control ?tosz
(Ypage 97).
XClose the center air vents (Ypage 104) and
the air outlets for the headroom and the rear compartment (
Ypage 105).
XDirect the side air vents towards the side win-dows and open the defroster vents for the
side windows (
Ypage 105).
Vehicle with air conditioning
XSet temperature control :to
z (Ypage 98).
XPress the Kbutton until the maximum
blower output is reached.
All bars in the display next to the button light up.
XSet air-distribution control Atosz
(Ypage 98).
XClose the center air vents (Ypage 104) and
the air outlets for the headroom and the rear compartment (
Ypage 105).
XDirect the side air vents towards the side win-dows and open the defroster vents for the
side windows (
Ypage 105).
Clearing condensation from the win-
dows
Windows fogged up on the inside
You should only select this setting until the win-
dows are clear again.
XVehicle with window heating: switch on the
front (Ypage 103) and/or rear window
defroster (Ypage 103) .
XSwitch on climate control (Ypage 100).
XSwitch off air-recirculation mode
(Ypage 103).
Vehicle with heating
XSet temperature control :to a higher tem-
perature (Ypage 97).
XSet airflow control ;to a higher blower set-
ting. It should be set at least to level two
(
Ypage 97).
XSet air-distribution control ?tosz
(Ypage 97).
iIf the windows still fog up, set the control as
described for defrosting (Ypage 102).
Vehicle with air conditioning
XActivate cooling with air dehumidification
(Ypage 101).
XPress the ¨button (Ypage 98).
Reheat mode is activated. The indicator lamp
in the switch lights up.
To deactivate reheat mode, press the ¨
button again. The indicator lamp in the button
goes out.
Windows fogged up on the outside
You should only select this setting until the
windshield is clear again.
XSwitch on the windshield wipers (Ypage 94).
XSwitch on climate control (Ypage 100).
XAdjust air distribution to the footwell
(Ypage 101).
XClose the air vents (Ypage 104).
102Operating the climate control system
Climate control

and accelerator pedals or the cruise control
lever.
XBrake or accelerate the vehicle to the
required speed on the downhill gradient.
XRelease the brake or accelerator pedal. The
current speed is stored.
or
XBriefly push the cruise control lever up :to
increase the speed or down =to reduce the
speed.
The last speed stored is increased or reduced
incrementally.
XRelease the cruise control lever. The current
speed is stored.
or
XPress and hold the cruise control lever up :
or down =until the desired speed has been
reached.
XRelease the cruise control lever.
The current speed is stored.
iIt may take a moment before the vehicle
brakes to the set speed. Take this delay into
account when setting the speed with the
cruise control lever.
Deactivating DSR
XBriefly press the cruise control lever
forward ?.
or
XAccelerate and drive faster than 28 mph
(45 km/h).
DSR deactivates automatically if:
Ryou are driving faster than 28 mph (45 km/h).
Ryou disengage th eLOW RANGE transmission
ratio.
Rthere is amalfunction in th eES P®or AB Ssys-
tem.
PARKTRONIC
Gene ral notes
PARKTRONI Cis an electronic parkin gaid. The
system is equipped wit hultrasonic sensor sin
th efron tand rear bumpers to monitor th earea
around your vehicle. PARKTRONI Cindicate svis -
ually and audibl yth edistanc ebetween your
vehicl eand an object.
Your vehicl efeatures tw oseparat esoun demit-
ters wit hdifferen tfrequencie sfor th ewarnin gtones. The warnin
granges in fron tof and behind
th evehicl eare indicate dby differen twarnin g
tones.
PARKTRONI Cis activated automatically when
you:
Rtur nth eke yto position 2in th eignition loc k
Rrelease theparkin gbrak eand
Rmov eth eselector lever to D,Nor R.
PARKTRONI Cis deactivated at speeds abov e
11 mph (18 km/h). PARKTRONI Cis reactivated
at speeds belo w10 mph (16 km/h).
Impor tant safety notes
PARKTRONI Cis only an aid. It canno treplac e
your own awareness of th eimmediat esurround-
ings. You are responsibl efor saf emaneuvering,
parkin gand pullin gaway. Whe nmaneuvering,
parkin gand pullin gaway, mak esur ethat there
are no persons, animals or objects in th emaneu-
verin garea .
!Pay particular attention to obstacles abov e
or belo wthesensor swhen parking, suc has
flower pot sor trailer towbars. PARKTRONI C
does no trecogniz esuc hobjects when they
are in th eimmediat evicinit yof th evehicle.
You could damage th evehicl eor objects .
PARKTRONI Ccan suffer interferenc efrom:
Rultrasonic source ssuc has atruck's
compressed-air brakes, an automati ccar
wash or apneumati cdrill
Rattachments to th evehicle, e.g. rear moun -
te dracks
Rnumber plates (vehicle license plates) that
are no taffixe dflat against th ebumper
Rdirty or icy sensor s
Remove adetachable trailer couplin gif it is no
longer required. PARKTRONI Cmeasures th e
minimum detection range to an obstacle from
th ebumper, no tth eball coupling.
Range ofthe sensor s
PARKTRONI Cdoes no taccoun tfor obstacles
that are:
Rbeneat hits detection range, e.g. persons, ani -
mals or objects
Rabov eits detection range, e.g. overhangin g
loads ,overhang sor truck loading ramps
148Driving systems
Driving and parking

Install and secure the ball coupling as descri-
bed in the ball coupling manufacturer's instal-
lation instructions. Make sure that the ball
coupling is correctly installed and secured
before every journey.
GWARNING
When the vehicle/trailer combination begins
to lurch, you could lose control of it. The vehi- cle/trailer combination could even rollover.
There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten up the vehicle/trailer combination
by increasing the speed. Reduce vehicle
speed and do not countersteer. Apply the
brake as necessary.
Always observe the operating instructions pro-
vided by the manufacturers of the trailer cou-
pling and the ball coupling.
Couple and decouple the trailer carefully. When backing up the towing vehicle, make sure
nobody is standing between the vehicle and the
trailer.
A trailer which is incorrectly coupled to the tow-
ing vehicle could break away. A correctly cou-
pled trailer must be positioned horizontally
behind the towing vehicle.
Ensure that the following weights are not excee-
ded:
Rthe permissible noseweight
Rthe permissible trailer load
Rthe permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
Rthe permissible gross weight of both the tow-
ing vehicle and the trailer
Rthe permissible gross combination weight
The applicable permissible values that may not
be exceeded can be found:
Rin your vehicle documents
Ron the type plates for the trailer tow hitch
Ron the type plates for the trailer
Ron the vehicle identification plate
(Ypage 272).
Where the values differ, the lowest is valid.
You will find values approved by the manufac-
turer on the identification plates and those for
the towing vehicle in the "Permissible trailer loads and trailer drawbar noseweights" section
(
Ypage 156).
Your vehicle behaves differently with a trailer
than without one.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
Ris heavier
Ris restricted in its acceleration and gradient-
climbing capability
Rhas an increased braking distance
Ris more susceptible to strong crosswinds
Rrequires more sensitive steering
Rhas a larger turning circle
This may impair the handling characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your speed
to suit the road and w
eather conditions. Drive
carefully. Maintain a safe distance.
If you require any further explanation of the
information contained in the Operator's Manual,
please contact an authorized Sprinter dealer.
General notes
RObserve the legally prescribed maximum
speed for vehicle/trailer combinations in the
relevant country, state or Canadian province. Before setting off, check the vehicle docu-
ments of the your trailer to find out the per-
missible maximum speed.
This reduces the risk of accidents.
RInstall only an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle. Only use a ball coupling that is
approved for your vehicle and Sprinter trailer
tow hitch. More information on the availabil-
ity, mounting and installation of the trailer
electrics is available at any qualified specialist
workshop.
RThe trailer coupling is one of the most impor-
tant vehicle parts with regard to road safety.
The notes on operation, care and mainte-
nance issued by the manufacturer should be
observed.
RThe bumpers of your vehicle are not suitable
for installing detachable trailer couplings.
RDo not attach rented trailer tow hitches or
other detachable trailer tow hitches to the
bumper.
RMinimize the risk of damage to the ball cou-
pling. If you do not require the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess.
Towing a trailer153
Driving and parking
Z

Weight information can be found in the “Per-
missible trailer and drawbar noseweights” sec-
tion (
Ypage 156).
iThe height of the ball neck changes accord-
ing to the load on the vehicle. If this is case,
use a trailer with a height-adjustable trailer
drawbar.
Driving tips
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combination depends on the type of
trailer. Before setting off, check the vehicle
documents of the your trailer to find out the
permissible maximum speed. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations in the relevant country,
state or Canadian province.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison to when driving without a trailer and it will con-
sume more fuel.
On long, steep downhill slopes you must select
shift range 3,2or 1in good time.
iThis also applies if cruise control is activa-
ted.
This enables you to utilize the engine's braking
effect and you do not need to brake so heavily to
keep the correct speed. which protects the
brake system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly. If you need to brake additionally, to not depress the brake
pedal constantly, but periodically.
Driving tips
If the trailer begins to swing from side to side:
XDo not accelerate.
XDo not counter-steer.
XBrake if necessary.
iYou can reduce the risk of the trailer swing-
ing and rocking by retrofitting anti-roll bars or trailer stability programs. More information is
available from your authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
RMaintain a greater distance than you would
when driving without towing a trailer.
RAvoid sudden braking. Apply the brakes gen-
tly at first to allow the trailer brake to overrun.
Then, increase the brake force quickly.
RThe figures for the gradient climbing capabil-
ities from a standstill refer to sea level. When
driving in mountainous areas, note that the
power output of the engine, and with it its
gradient climbing capability, decrease with
increasing altitude.
Coupling up a trailer
Trailer coupled ready for use
XMake sure the selector lever of the automatic
transmission is in position P.
XApply the vehicle's parking brake.
XClose all doors.
XPosition the trailer horizontally behind your
vehicle.
iThe height of the ball neck changes accord-
ing to the load on the vehicle. In this case, use
a trailer with a height-adjustable trailer draw-
bar.
XCouple the trailer.
XEstablish all electrical and other connections to the trailer. When doing so, hook the break-
away cable of the trailer into eyelet :on the
ball coupling.
XRemove the objects that are preventing the
trailer from rolling, e.g. wheel chocks.
XRelease the trailer parking brake.
iThe subharness of the vehicle has a cable
connection to the brake lamp indicator lamp.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
154Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

Most federal states and all Canadian provinces
require by law:
Rsafety chains between the towing vehicle andthe trailer. The chains should be cross-wound
under the trailer drawbar. They must be fas-
tened to the vehicle's trailer coupling, not to
the bumper or the axle.
Leave enough slack in the chains. This allows you to drive round tight corners.
Ra separate brake system for certain types of
trailer.
Ra safety shut-off for braked trailers. Find out
the specific requirements according to the
applicable laws.
If the trailer becomes detached from the tow-
ing vehicle, the safety feature applies the
trailer brakes.
Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements con-
cerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed restric-tions.
Many states require a separate functional brak-
ing system for your trailer once a certain weight limit is exceeded. For your safety, it is recom-
mended to use a separate functional braking
system on any towed vehicle.
Make sure your vehicle/trailer combination
complies with local laws. This not only means
where you live, but also anywhere you are driv-
ing to. Information is available from the police
and local authorities.
Observe the following when towing a trailer:
RPractice driving around bends, stopping and
backing up at a place where there is no traffic.This enables you to gain experience and get
used to the new handling characteristics.
RBefore driving, check:
-that the trailer tow hitch and ball coupling
are secure
-that the safety switch for a braked trailer is
functioning properly
-that the safety chains are secure and not
damaged
-that the electrical connections are secure
-that the lights are working
-that the wheels are in good order and the
tire pressure is correct
RAdjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
RIf the trailer is equipped with an individual
braking system, check before each journey
whether the brakes are functioning correctly.
RIf the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull the vehicle/trailer combination
away carefully. Brake manually using the
brake controller and check that the brakes
are working.
RSecure the load on the trailer according to the
applicable specifications and current stand-
ards on securing loads (
Ypage 210).
RWhen driving with a trailer, check at regular
intervals that the load is secured and that the
brakes and lights are working.
RBear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when driving
without one. Avoid sudden steering move-
ments.
RThe vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly and has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to crosswinds and
requires cautious steering.
RIf possible, do not brake suddenly, but rather
moderately at first so that the trailer can acti-
vate its brakes. Then increase the force on the
brake pedal.
RIf the automatic transmission repeatedly
shifts between gears when driving on inclines,
restrict the shift range. Select shift range 4,3,
2 or 1.
Driving in a low gear and at a low speed
reduces the risk of damaging the engine.
RWhen driving on a downhill gradient, shift to a
low gear and take advantage of the engine's
braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if instal-
led, the trailer brakes.
RIf the coolant temperature increases dramat-
ically while the air-conditioning system is
switched on, switch off the air-conditioning
system.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by
switching the airflow and the temperature of
Towing a trailer155
Driving and parking
Z